ACMAT (Ateliers de Construction Mécanique de L'Atlantique, also known as ALM-ACMAT), (since 22 May 2006, ACMAT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Trucks.[1]) is a French producer of cross-country and tactical military vehicles since 1958. Known for their reliability, simplicity, ruggedness and their 80% (over 3,500) commonality of parts across the entire product line, these vehicles were originally targeted at African and Asian countries who could not afford more expensive vehicles. The ACMAT company built their vehicles based on standardisation, commonality of parts and components, and on interchangeability; parts are interchangeable with vehicles built 30 years ago. Parts commonality includes cabs, structural components, engines and drive trains. ACMAT uses many of the same parts for all of its line of vehicles. They even produce an armoured variant of both the 4x4 and 6x6 versions of the VLRA.

Many French fire brigades also use ACMAT vehicles due to their lower cost and 4WD ability. Several thousand are in use by 42 countries including France and the Irish Defence Forces. ACMAT also designs, manufactures and builds trailers, shelters and generators. ACMAT has exported over 85 percent of the 12,000 plus vehicles it produced into 50 different countries.[2]

ACMAT was founded as The ALM SA (studios Legueu Meaux) in 1954 by René Legueu with headquarters in Meaux based manufacturer of military wheeled vehicles.[3] In civilian versions, there are some of the models as heavy trucks and commercial vehicles . For commercial use, there are also vehicles for the object and protection of persons and the use of public-sector units of the authorities such as the police and the fire brigade . Since the start of production, the company has already produced over 12,000 vehicles that are marketed in over 50 countries. [3] in 1964, the company moved its headquarters to Saint-Nazaire .[3]

The work started the company as a developer and producer of vehicle parts, including transfer case and front axles for in large-scale built trucks . Many of the developments made the company could be patented . In this way arose a was specifically designed for the agricultural use all-terrain trucks. In the market model, however, not reached and remained only a concept car . In a development that got oil industry then the preference. Thus, a four-and all-terrain version was in inclusion geophysical industry values for use in the Sahara developed. With a range of just over 1,000 km without refueling and its operational capabilities in the desert terrain, offered the vehicle an increased viability in the hostile region, which is mainly an appeal to the military represented to attract its attention. In other embodiments, one fit the vehicle in the use of military needs.

Finally began in August 1961, the series production of the now ALM VCOM (Vehicle of de Combat d'Outre-Mer) mentioned model, with improvements to the vehicle under the direction of the Foreign Legion under the test inserts in the so-called mission Fennec ( Desert Fox ) were continued. These tests were made during various missions in Mauritania and the short subsequent liberation war of Chad during the Civil War . A total of 193 units of the model had then after completion of the test on the 13 Demi-brigade of the Foreign Legion in Djibouti delivered.

To contact his father Paul Legueu the heritage, the company's founder had to move in 1964 to Saint-Nazaire. According to this unfavorable situation, he relocated the company headquarters also here and created a foundation today ACMAT SA (Ateliers de Constructions Mécaniques de l'Atlantique).

Again, the company began the development of components. These were the front and rear axles, transmission and transfer case . A further 12 patents, the company was able to secure it. During the year 1967, the company launched its latest model then, the ACMAT VLRA (Véhicules de liaison de reconnaissance et d'appui), on the market. This was characterized above all by its robustness. But the extraordinary power to be able to transport 2.5 tonnes of payload, and a maximum range of 1600 km and a water tank with a capacity of 200 liters, the model made it a success.

In May 2006, the acquired Renault Trucks Defense SA, the majority shareholder of the company. ACMAT has since then presented brand and subsidiary of the Volvo Group as to the Renault Trucks brand belongs. [4] Under the guidance of the new board Moun Bourjij created in collaboration with Renault Trucks the ACMAT VLRA 2 (Vehicle of de Liaison et de Reconnaissance Blindé ), which is available since 2009. Based on the Toyota Hilux is also the seventh generation since 2009 ACMAT ALTV (Airtransportable Vehicle of Tactique Léger) were prepared. This is since then primarily in Afghanistan used.

The VLA (Véhicules logistiques de l'avant) is a cab-over design, available in 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, with a carrying capacity of 4,000 kg to 8,000 kg. It is primarily designed to carry pallets. Produced from 1991 to 2004[3] the VLA is no longer offered by ACMAT since 2006 when ACMAT became a subsidiary of Renault Trucks.[4]

VLRB (Véhicule de Liaison et de Reconnaissance Blindé) - The TCM 420 BL 6 is powered by a four cylinder Cummins turbo-diesel Euro 3 which has 167 horsepower (125 kW) at 2,500 rpm. It has a five speed automatic transmission and a two speed transfer case. One can be carried in a C-160 Transall and two can be carried in a C-130 Hercules. The armoured version can be armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, or a 20 mm or 30 mm automatic cannon.

FCLV - Future Command and Liaison Vehicle, a British Army light wheeled armoured vehicle program. Offered by Hunting Engineering in partnership with ACMAT, the FCLV was essentially a modified VLRB. The IVECO contender eventually won the bid process